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United States Patent | 6,249,983 |
Wright ,   et al. | June 26, 2001 |
A levelling apparatus for a laser level includes a base having a central axis and a sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the base. A sphere-shaped ball device is received in the socket component for relative movement with respect thereto. A retention mechanism is spaced radially outwardly from the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the ball device in the socket component. In a second embodiment of the levelling apparatus, the sphere-shaped ball device is mounted to the base and the sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the ball device for relative movement with respect thereto. The retention mechanism is in registry with the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the socket component to the ball device. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
Inventors: | Wright; Randall J. (Hartland, WI); Coel; Joseph B. (Waterford, WI) |
Assignee: | Empire Level Mfg. Corp. (Milwaukee, WI) |
Appl. No.: | 238771 |
Filed: | January 28, 1999 |
Current U.S. Class: | 33/286; 33/290 |
Intern'l Class: | G01C 005/00 |
Field of Search: | 33/281,282,283,286,333,370,371,568,573,DIG. 21,290,291 403/122,130 |
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